Title
Viral hepatitis elimination in Mongolia
Journal
Viral Hepatitis in Asia and the Pacific : Towards Elimination As a Public Health Threat
Author(s)
Dorj, Gereltuya
Baatarkhuu, Oidov
Dorj, Gantuya
Lkhagvaa, Undram
Choijoo, Amarjargal
Gurbadam, Unenbat
Jargalsaikhan, Javkhlan
Erdenetsetseg, Baasandorj
Abstract
Mongolia has the highest rate of liver cancer, largely attributed to chronic hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections globally. Responding to this viral hepatitis epidemic, the Government of Mongolia has taken decisive national action to alleviate its burden. A comprehensive approach, including initiatives such as the Healthy Liver Program, has been implemented. By 2017, Mongolia achieved the World Health Organization’s (WHO) target of reducing the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among 5-year-old children to less than 1%. Among adults, HBsAg prevalence decreased from 6.9% in 2015 to 5.7% in 2022. The introduction of vaccination programs for hepatitis B in 1991 and hepatitis A in 2012 significantly contributed to the reduction of infections. High national coverage rates of the hepatitis B birth dose (98%) and hepatitis A vaccine (over 95%) have been achieved. Furthermore, the incidence of acute jaundice cases due to hepatitis A sharply declined from 0.3 to 0.04 cases per 10,000 population between 2015 and 2022. The prevalence of HCV dropped from 6.7% in 2015 to 3.9% in 2022. By the end of 2022, over 105,886 cases were diagnosed, with more than 60% of HCV patients (64,836) received the treatment. The incidence of newly diagnosed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) also decreased from 857 in 2015 to 567 in 2022. The Government Action Plan (2020–24) aims to continue screening and identifying at least 50% of hepatitis cases, including those caused by hepatitis D virus. Looking ahead, with accelerated screening and treatment strategies, Mongolia aims to reduce the total prevalence of viral hepatitis by 90% and liver-related deaths by 85% over the next decade, potentially saving thousands of lives. Mongolia is among the first 12 countries progressing toward meeting the WHO’s goal of eliminating hepatitis by 2030.
Publication information
2025. Viral hepatitis elimination in Mongolia. In Viral Hepatitis in Asia and the Pacific : Towards Elimination As a Public Health Threat (pp. 155-181). Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-443-23629-7.00007-3
Date Issued
2025
Type
Book chapter
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